Dr. Sheron Needra Perera Joackhim – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Sheron Needra Perera Joackhim offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her goal is to support her patients in achieving optimal health and quality of life, especially as they age.

Dr. Joackhim graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2014, completing extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. Her certifications include board certification in Internal Medicine and additional specialization in Geriatric Medicine, equipping her with the expertise to manage complex adult and senior health conditions effectively.

Her clinical philosophy is centered on delivering compassionate, patient-centered care that respects each individual's values and preferences. She is committed to serving the Toronto community, providing care in English, and fostering strong, trusting relationships with her patients. Dr. Joackhim believes in empowering her patients through education and collaborative decision-making to promote health and independence throughout aging.

Dr. Joackhim provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

Dr. Joackhim manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.

• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Joackhim. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Joackhim's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Dr. Joackhim's practice is located within the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto, in the Wallaceburg Community. The location offers convenient access to public transportation, including TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes, making it easy for patients to reach her office. The practice is situated near landmarks such as Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and Lee's Palace, making it a familiar and accessible community hub. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Joackhim? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Joackhim are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.

Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?

A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Joackhim. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.

Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss or Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol) is crucial, Dr. Joackhim also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care (Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders), and participation in meaningful activities.

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss (Frailty Assessment & Management), and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Joackhim, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

Does Dr. Sheron Needra Perera Joackhim discuss goals of care or advance care planning?

Yes, discussing goals of care is an important part of patient-centered practice, especially in managing chronic illness or in geriatric care. Dr. Joackhim encourages conversations about patient values, preferences for future medical treatment, and advance care planning (including identifying a substitute decision-maker) to ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient. She can provide information and facilitate these discussions.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?

Dr. Joackhim's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.

Wallaceburg Community
2075 Bayview Ave, Medical Centre
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-4757 | Fax: (416) 480-6002

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Joackhim is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Perera-Joackhim-Sheron-Needra/0296299-103924